Hong Kong cancels talks with protesters

Hong Kong authorities have canceled talks with pro-democracy protesters occupying parts of the city after they vowed to step up civil disobedience.

The protest leader said increased pressure was needed ahead of the talks to ensure progress toward direct elections.

Hong Kong Chief Secretary Carrie Lam late Thursday canceled the widely anticipated talks with pro-democracy protest leaders. Lam said the government does not want to be linked with possibly illegal actions, which is how China has described the protests.

"We cannot accept the fact that someone will link the talks with possible continued illegal Occupy (Central) actions," Lam said.